KOTTAYAM:
Effective utilisation of Plan funds that resulted in better implementation of the various development projects played a key role in Kottayam getting the Best Municipality award, its chairman B. Gopakumar has said.

Mr. Gopakumar said in 2003-04, the municipality achieved a target of 99.7 per cent in plan fund utilisation. Of the Rs.3,08,34,133 received as Plan fund, it utilised Rs.3,07,49,641. It achieved a target of 95 per cent in revenue realisation. The municipality also succeeded in bringing down administrative expenses by one-third, he said.

Innovative projects for tackling the issue of waste management had come to the notice of the award committee, he said. The shifting of cleaning operations to nights for hotels and inclusion of solid waste management scheme in the eco city project were highlighted in this regard, he said.

He said the council was committed to providing shelter for all. 416 families had been given free housing facilities. With the completion of various development projects during the month-long Development Festival being observed, he will be able to fulfil the election promises made to the people, the chairman said.